Mercedes-Benz Australia has added a new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Carbon Edition special edition variant of the GLC mid-size SUV and Coupé (pictured), now on sale in Australia. Priced from $133,100 plus on-road costs, the Carbon Edition adds performance features such as dynamic engine mounts and a race mode, yet is priced lower than the regular AMG GLC 43 models.

As with the regular AMG GLC 43, the Carbon Edition uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It makes 310kW of power and 500Nm of torque, enough for a claimed 4.5-second 0-100km/h sprint time.

Like the regular AMG GLC 43, the Carbon Edition is available in traditional SUV shape, or the sportier-looking coupe. It’s the first limited edition GLC since the Edition R that was available earlier this year.

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Equipment additions to the AMG GLC 43 Carbon Edition include 21-inch alloy wheels with a matte black and sheen finish, red brake callipers, automatic LED exterior lighting, the Night Package II with dark chrome exterior highlights, a flat-bottomed synthetic leather and suede steering wheel, suede and synthetic leather upholstery with front seat heating, red seat belts and AMG genuine carbon fibre interior trim.

Uniquely, the Carbon Edition adds the AMG Dynamic Plus Package with dynamic engine mounts and a dedicated race driving mode for heightened responses for track driving.

That’s on top of features such as multiple driving modes, heated front seats with memory functionality, a panoramic sunroof, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, MBUX infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ambient lighting, and an extensive suite of driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and lane keeping assistance.

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Compared with the regular AMG GLC 43 range, the Carbon Edition only loses Digital headlights with adaptive high beam, adaptive lane guidance, augmented reality for the sat-nav and aluminium-look running boards.

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 pricing (plus on-road costs):

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Carbon Edition is now available to order through Mercedes-Benz dealerships ahead of the first deliveries commencing soon.

The new Mercedes-Benz G 450 d will appeal to a new type of buyer in Australia, among strong demand for all G-Wagen variants, according to the brand.

Speaking to WhichCar by Wheels at the local launch of the newest G-Wagen, Mercedes-Benz Australia predicts that the new G 450 d will appeal to a different set of buyers than the variants already on sale: off-road enthusiasts, specifically, much in the same way the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series or Land Rover Defender does.

While the high-performance AMG G 63 has traditionally been the biggest-selling G-Wagen variant, something that’s unlikely to change, the company thinks that the new G 450 d will appeal to buyers wanting greater off-road capability.

“We are already getting organic information from our network that we’re seeing non-traditional customers looking at the G 450 d, ones that could be more off-road focused and maybe coming from new brands, or perhaps even a GLE,” said Jerry Stamoulis, Head of Media Relations and Brand Engagement at Mercedes-Benz Australia.

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“The G 450 d is an off-road vehicle and you’re meant to take it off-road more than an AMG G 63, for example. We don’t know how many 63 buyers take their car off-road, but it’s likely to be quite small because the 63 is the performance model. The 450 d is a great off-road vehicle,” added Sales Director Johannes Schoen.

The revised strategy for the G 450 d comes among increasing demand for the G-Wagen in Australia. To the end of October 2025, 466 units were sold, which is a 35.9 per cent increase on the same period in 2024. If the same momentum continues to the end of 2025, G-Class sales are set to hit almost 600 for the first time since 2021 – a considerable number at this price point.

“We’ve seen really high demand for the G 450 d,” says Schoen. “The AMG G 63 is the all-time favourite, but we’ve launched the G 450 d just last month and we’re already quite pleased. Our order bank for the G 450 d has filled up remarkably fast, with allocations for the first production months effectively spoken for just weeks after launch.”

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It was 2021 when the last diesel G-Wagen was offered locally, with the short-lived G 400 d priced at $246,500 plus on-road costs and using a less powerful version of the G 450 d’s inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. While the AMG G 63 remains the most popular variant, Mercedes-Benz Australia executives say that there’s clear demand for a diesel powertrain in the line-up.

“Customer demand brought the diesel back,” said Schoen. “We used to have a wider range and then for a period, we didn’t and it was just the 63, but now we see potential because we think that there’s demand [for the G 450 d] so we brought the car in and we’re finding that it’s hitting the spot.”

2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class pricing (plus on-road costs): 

The Mercedes-Benz G 450 d is now on sale in Australia, with local deliveries already underway.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen is an iconic car. Whether it’s crossing the Outback or pootling down Chapel Street – as we are on this drive – it commands respect. However, the G-Wagen that most people will be familiar with in Australia is the AMG G 63 and its awesome side-mounted tailpipe – but that could change in the future thanks to the addition of the new G 450 d variant.

Aimed at those with more serious off-road aspirations, the new diesel inline six-powered G-Wagen is set to add a different character to the G-Class.

Available in either standard or ‘Offroad’ form, with the latter adding off-road tyres as standard, both are priced from $214,900 plus on-road costs.

Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive dampers, low-range gearing, three differential locks, a sunroof, leather upholstery, a Nappa leather steering wheel, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with the company’s ‘MBUX’ infotainment system, augmented reality sat-nav, wireless smartphone mirroring, digital radio and safety features like autonomous emergency braking with pre-accident assistance, 360-degree camera with a see-through bonnet view, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with safe exit assist and automatic parking. 

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Options include the $18,000 AMG Luxury Package with 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, silver chrome grille exterior highlights, a Nappa leather sports steering wheel and the Exclusive Line Interior; $5600 Night Package with black exterior detailing such as the wheels; an $8500 Interior Comfort Package with a rear seat entertainment system, heated windscreen, heated steering wheel and heated armrests for the front cabin; and a $15,900 Professional Exterior Package with a roof rack and spare wheel holder. The latter option makes the G 450 d look especially tough. 

The cabin of the G 450 d isn’t as racy as the AMG G 63, but it’s still high quality, comfortable and quite practical. The Nappa leather steering wheel feels excellent in hand, while the stitched leather trim around the cabin looks and feels expensive. The front seats are very comfortable with plenty of ways to adjust, though, curiously, no lumbar support. 

The 12.3-inch touchscreen with Merc’s ‘MBUX’ software is sharp and easy to use. Cabin storage is ample, though the rear seat isn’t as spacious as you might expect thanks to the G-Wagen’s packaging. Boot space is large, however, at 620 litres with the seats up and that opens to 2010 litres with the rear seats folded. 

Centre of the G 450 d is a new 3.0-litre inline six turbo-diesel engine, which makes impressive 270kW and 750Nm outputs, which are even stronger than the LC300’s 227kW/700Nm outputs. Sure, it’s not as powerful as the AMG G 63 and its monster twin-turbo V8, but it’s still a fabulous drivetrain thanks to its low-end grunt and quiet nature.

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Despite the 450 d’s porky 2621kg tare mass, it hits 100km/h in just 5.8 seconds and a top end of 220km/h – having previously driven it at top speed on the German autobahn, it feels very solid no matter how fast it’s being driven. 

The drive program for the G 450 d Australian launch rightly focused a lot on its off-road capability. Leaving Melbourne, we ventured south-east towards Neerim and through the beautiful Bunyip Sate Park, giving us plenty of opportunity to experience the G 450 d’s various talents in a variety of conditions. 

Our launch drive started on tarmac, eventually progressing to dirt roads – including, oh joy, washboard gravel – and deep mud, steep uphill sections and then back to Melbourne. Unsurprisingly, the G 450 d did not struggle once. It took it all in its stride, and would give confidence even to off-road beginners. It’s rated at 8.1L/100km for combined fuel consumption and at the end of the off-road day, recorded an impressive 10.2L/100km average.

Off-road features in the G 450 d are plentiful, from low-range gearing and three differential locks to various off-road modes and a 360-degree camera with a useful transparent bonnet mode to help manage difficult terrain. The off-road cockpit view on the 12.3-inch touchscreen is also filled with helpful off-road information, such as gradient, tilt and differential status so make off-roading as stress-free as possible.

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We were given advice to be cautious about a particularly deep mud section of the drive, but there was no need for concern: we just activated low range along with the centre differential lock and the G 450 d acted like nothing had changed. The nine-speed automatic’s short gearing helps here too: in low range, it starts in second gear and because of that – allowing for maximum grunt with no gear change in between – steep climbs are no match for the G 450 d. It’s impressive off-road stats include 700mm maximum fording depth, 31-degree approach angle and a 30-degree departure angle. 

What is most impressive about the G 450 d is that despite all hell breaking loose outside, you’re cocooned in a luxurious and well insulated cabin with effective heated and chilled cup holders.

The G 450 d’s slow, mechanical steering is a delight in an age where most cars offer almost zero connection to the driver, and the ride quality is exceptional for a car with a ladder frame and rigid rear suspension – there’s an occasional tremor, but it’s otherwise quite comfortable. Overall, the driving experience of the G 450 d is impressive.  

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Are there any negatives to the G 450 d? Well, $7880 for five years/100,000km of servicing is quite expensive, the touch pad controls on the steering wheel are fiddly and the boot door opens on the wrong side for right-hand drive markets. Plus, despite a usefully lower price relative to the previous G 400 d last sold locally in 2021 and the $368,400 AMG G 63, it’s still a considerable outlay.

In an age where most G-Wagens are driven only in town, however a new model that can actually take you into deep territory away from the main road is refreshing. It really appeals to the traditional G-Wagen ethos and while it’s not cheap, we think that buyers of higher-end LandCruisers, Defenders and even Mercedes-Benz large SUVs such as the GLE will definitely be curious about this new addition to the G-Wagen range. Some will prefer the high-performance AMG G 63, but we think the new G 450 d is the G-Wagen at its best. 

Mercedes-Benz G 450 d specifications:

Volkswagen Australia has announced that the Tiguan and Tayron mid-size SUV ranges will be updated with new features for the 2026 model year.

The biggest addition to both models is a new feature called ‘Turning Assist 2.0’, while the brand has also confirmed that plug-in hybrid powertrains will become available locally in both models in the first half of 2026. MY26 Volkswagen Tiguan and Tayron models will commence deliveries soon.

The new Turning Assist 2.0 feature builds on the same feature already available in both models. It’s now able to detect oncoming traffic that’s about to turn towards the driver and brake automatically, in addition to its ability to detect oncoming traffic driving straight and which the driver is about to turn across and automatically brake. All models in the MY26 Tiguan and Tayron range will feature Turn Assist 2.0 as standard.

There have also been more minor changes to the specification of some models in the Tiguan range, with the entry-level Life now equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels and the mid-spec Elegance, 18s – both currently have 19s as standard, and Volkswagen says that change was made to enhance the ride quality.

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Meanwhile, the 20-inchers of the R-Line now have aero covers, matching the equivalents in the Golf hatchback and Touareg large SUV. The Tiguan will also now feature an illuminated rear Volkswagen badge, matching the Tayron.

Plug-in hybrid ‘eHybrid’ versions of both the Volkswagen Tiguan and Tayron also will be made available in 2026. A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine will provide propulsion in tandem with an electric motor, and both will be capable of more than 100km of electric driving range (WLTP).

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Pricing is yet to be announced for the PHEV models, but Volkswagen says they will priced in the $45,000-$75,000 bracket, as with the Tiguan and Tayron models already on sale, and the ID.4 and ID.5 electric SUVs as well.

Pricing for the Tiguan range starts at $44,990 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Life 110TSI, while the Tayron starts at $48,290 for its Life 110TSI model. The updated Volkswagen Tiguan and Tayron ranges will enter Volkswagen showrooms soon.

TAG Heuer has unveiled two new watches celebrating the legacy of Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna, continuing a partnership that began in the late 1980s. The limited-edition TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna models were launched during the São Paulo Grand Prix, expanding a collaboration that has spanned three decades and countless tributes to the Brazilian driver.

The first Senna special edition appeared in 1994, shortly after the three-time world champion’s death, and the relationship has since become one of the most enduring between a watchmaker and a sports icon. The 2025 releases mark a fresh chapter in that story, combining modern design with a nod to Senna’s racing heritage.

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TAG Heuer first worked with Senna in 1988, the year he won his first world title. By 1993 he was an official brand ambassador, often seen wearing his chosen S/EL chronograph, a design now synonymous with his name. Over time, the partnership has become as much about values as aesthetics – precision, determination, and technical mastery.

Beyond the racetrack, TAG Heuer’s Senna collections have also contributed to the Instituto Ayrton Senna, a foundation created by the driver’s family to improve education for disadvantaged children in Brazil. The institute’s programs have reached millions of young people, extending Senna’s influence far beyond Formula 1.

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The 44mm Formula 1 Chronograph x Senna automatic edition features a titanium case coated in black DLC and a forged carbon bezel. Its black dial is accented with the green and yellow of the Brazilian flag, and the caseback carries an engraving of Senna’s eyes behind his helmet – a reminder of his focus and drive. A yellow rubber strap and carbon details underscore the watch’s racing pedigree.

The 43mm quartz version reinterprets the S/EL bracelet worn by Senna throughout his career. With its interlocking steel links, black sunray dial, and bright yellow accents, it combines vintage inspiration with contemporary styling. Only 3,000 units will be produced.

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Bianca Senna, CEO of the Senna Brand and Ayrton’s niece, said the partnership continues to embody her uncle’s competitive ethos. “Ayrton lived with determination, always pushing his limits,” she said. “These timepieces celebrate not only his victories but the way he faced life – with focus, excellence, and passion.”

TAG Heuer CEO Antoine Pin echoed that sentiment, describing the watches as a blend of “daring design and mechanical mastery.” More than 30 years after his passing, Ayrton Senna remains a benchmark of excellence in both racing and craftsmanship.

Audi Australia has announced new additions to its A3 small hatchback and sedan, Q7 seven-seat large SUV and Q8 five-seat large SUV line-up, all of which are now available from Audi dealerships. Focusing on added choice for consumers, the A3 is now available with a larger 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, while entry-level variants in the Q7 range are now available as an S Line Edition and the RS Q8 has arrived to sit below the RS Q8 Performance.

The new addition to the A3 small car range is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol variant making 150kW of power and 320Nm of torque (+40kW and 70Nm on the existing A3 1.5-litre turbo-petrol) and equipped with the brand’s Quattro all-wheel drive system and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It launches to 100km/h in just 6.3 seconds, which is 1.8 seconds faster than the 1.5-litre variant.

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Priced from $62,800 plus on-road costs for the hatchback and $65,800 +ORC for the sedan, the A3 2.0-litre Quattro also adds equipment over the 1.5-litre model, including auto-folding and auto-dimming exterior mirrors, the S Line Interior Package with leather upholstery, an electric front passenger seat, colour ambient lighting and an auto-dimming interior mirror.

For the 2026 model year, the whole A3 range is also now equipped with a 360 degree camera, an updated automatic parking system that now assumes control of accelerating, braking, and changing gear when activated in the MMI, as well as updated traffic sign recognition and intersection assistant functionality.

The brand has also added two new variants to the Q7 large SUV range, with the S Line Editions also now on sale. Pricing starts at $3600 more than the 170kW 3.0TDI and 185kW 2.0TFSI variants on which they’re based, but add $9000 of added value, according to Audi.

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New standard features include Standard features include premium paint (including S line specific colours of Chilli Red or Daytona Grey), 21-inch alloy wheels, black exterior styling elements and an S Line exterior package. The S Line Edition also includes S line door entry sills with aluminium inlays with illuminated S logos in the front sills, as well as interior headlining in black cloth.

Finally, the new addition to the Q8 range is the RS Q8, which will sit below the current RS Q8 Performance model. Priced at $230,900 plus on-road costs, the RS Q8 uses a 441kW/700Nm version of the Performance’s 471kW/750Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which is still good for a 3.8-second 0-100km/h run (0.2 seconds behind the Performance).

Equipment changes include regular steel bakes with 10-piston callipers versus the Performance’s carbon ceramic discs and a six-Y spoke wheel design that’s available in four finishes.

New Audi range additions pricing:

The new Audi variants will soon arrive in local Audi dealerships.

New hybrid – both the regular and plug-in varieties – and electric vehicles introduced to Australia will be required to feature an acoustic pedestrian warning sound as part of new legislation introduced in 2024 but now in effect.

Known as an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), the low-pitched hum will be played at speeds of up to approximately 20km/h and is reportedly effective in reducing incidents with pedestrians. AVAS is designed to alert pedestrians, cyclists, and others to the presence of a quiet vehicle moving at low speeds, where the sound of traditional engines is absent.

The rule came into effect on November 1, 2025 for all vehicles that are capable of operating without an internal combustion engine, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen fuel-cell and electric powertrains. However, it does not apply to all vehicles in those categories already on sale in Australia, rather just those newly approved from the introduction date.

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The system must emit a sound that is loud enough to be heard but within a set range, while manufacturers can choose the sound displayed by their vehicles. Because the noise from tyres is louder above 20km/h, the AVAS system is not active above that threshold.

Such low-speed systems are already required in some overseas markets, so it’s likely that most of the vehicles that fit into the relevant categories are already fitted with it and just need it switched on. Our recent experience with the Toyota Yaris Cross, for example, highlighted that such a system had been incorporated as standard equipment.

Modelling released by the Federal Government estimates that the new low-speed noises could avoid 68 deaths, 2765 serious injuries and 2962 minor injuries by 2060, saving the community $208 million.

MG Motor Australia has issued a recall for the MG 3 hatchback after a potential safety issue was identified during Euro NCAP safety testing earlier this year. In the frontal impact test, the driver’s seat rotated, causing potential harm in the event of a crash.

MG dealers will perform the fix for free on 10,516 units of the car recalled.

During Euro NCAP’s testing, the manual driver’s seat that’s present in the Vibe and Excite variants of the MG 3 range slid forward by 111.5mm and twisted during impact, increasing the risk of injury or potential death.

MG Motor Australia is not aware of any local incidents related to the defect. The company will contact owners directly to organise a time to amend the issue, which is a free-to-customers task that involves adding an additional component to the driver’s seat to stop it from moving. The fix will take between 30 and 60 minutes, according to MG.

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Despite Euro NCAP not seeing the issue “in 30 years of safety testing”, the MG 3 still earned a four-star safety rating. Australia’s ANCAP adopted the same four-star rating to the car, based on Euro NCAP’s testing, an upgrade on its earlier three-star rating.

MG Motor Australia is contactable on 1800 644 637 or [email protected] if there are any customer questions regarding the recall for the MG 3.

A wave of fake online articles has prompted warnings from Australian transport authorities after several websites falsely claimed new road rules had taken effect nationwide.

As reported by Yahoo News, the misinformation included bogus claims that from November 1, all drivers must keep their headlights on “at all times” or face a $250 fine. Similar fake stories alleged the introduction of curfews for older drivers and massive penalties for eating or drinking behind the wheel.

Transport for NSW confirmed to the outlet that the supposed “headlights rule” was entirely false. The department’s secretary, Josh Murray, cautioned motorists to rely only on official information.

“Understanding road rules and following them is a responsibility motorists should take seriously,” Mr Murray said. “The rise of artificial intelligence can generate misinformation, and we’ve seen that recently with claims about curfews and large fine increases – neither true nor remotely accurate.”

Victoria’s Department of Transport reminded drivers that headlights are required only between sunset and sunrise or in poor visibility. Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) also dismissed the claims, confirming there is no rule requiring lights to be on at all times.

“Reports of new road rules requiring drivers to keep their headlights on at all times are fake,” a TMR spokesperson told Yahoo News, adding that drivers should instead “remain attentive, consider conditions, and use their lights appropriately.”

Authorities have also rejected another viral hoax suggesting fines of up to $8,000 for eating, drinking or smoking while driving, and an earlier false story that claimed drivers over 60 in Western Australia would be banned from driving at night.

Criminal defence lawyer Avinash Singh told the outlet the spread of AI-generated misinformation is a growing problem.

“The biggest danger is that people may mistakenly believe a certain action is legal or illegal,” he said. “But ignorance of the law is no excuse – relying on false online information is not a defence in court.”

Motorists are being urged to verify road rules through their state or territory transport departments rather than unverified online sources.

The Hyundai i20 N baby hot hatch will end production in March 2026, Hyundai Australia has confirmed. In a move that will upset hot hatch fans, the Turkish-built i20 N has reached the end of the line and will only be available from stock next year.

The news is offset, however, by the fact the next-generation i20 N is likely to arrive sometime in 2026, reportedly equipped with hybrid power to reduce emissions and extend its life.

Unbelievably, the current i20 N – and its i30 N hatchback sibling – is only currently produced for Australia and New Zealand. Despite being made in Europe – the i20 in Turkey and the i30 in the Czech Republic – both models stopped production for Europe at the start of 2024.

Unlike the i20 N, however, the i30 N hatchback will continue as an available model for Australia for the time being.

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However, the regular i30 hatchback will end also production for Australia thanks to a number of factors, such as its Czech production source. The South Korean-sourced i30 Sedan will continue, however, with its next generation is likely to land within the next few years.

Details about the second-generation i20 N are yet to be announced but current Australian stock is likely to last until the next-generation model arrives sometime in 2026. The next i20 N is expected to feature some sort of hybrid drivetrain to cut emissions, and likely a dual-clutch automatic transmission instead of the six-speed manual in the current model.

The current i20 N was launched in Australia in September 2021 and is currently priced from $37,500 plus on-road costs.